American Idol Season 13 Reveals Its New Mentor And Panel Of Judges

After months of scouring multiple planets in a quest to find a new judging/mentor combo for American Idol, Ryan Seacrest announced via his Facebook page on Tuesday, September 3rd that the deal is set:

“American Idol is getting some new (and familiar) faces for its upcoming 13th season.
Joining Keith Urban at the judges’ table will be former judge Jennifer Lopez, who left after Season 11, and Harry Connick, Jr., FOX announced on Tuesday.

Also returning is Randy Jackson … but not as a judge. The Idol vet will now be the in-house mentor for the contestants.

And of course, Ryan Seacrest will also return as the host of American Idol. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the AMERICAN IDOL XIII family. Our new producers, judging panel and mentor are all fired up for this season,” says Ryan, “I’ve already witnessed some amazingly talented contestants from around the country during our early auditions, cementing my belief that a new superstar is well within our sights.”

Keith is also excited for the new Idol. ”I think this season of IDOL is gonna be a blast,” he adds. “New team, new energy and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!”

As for Randy, who announced his departure as a judge at the end of last season, he’s also looking forward to returning. “Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all. Season 1-3 is the place to be. The original talent show is back with a vengeance and ready to discover the best talent in America.”
Season 13 of American Idol returns in January!”

This is the best lineup of judges I have seen in a few years. I could have saved them a lot of wasted time searching for that third judge’s seat in a quest to find a record producer or rapper or whatever they felt was going to bring in the ratings.

In the end, the selection of Harry Connick Jr. was, in many minds, a no-brainer. He is quick-witted, articulate, entertaining, insightful and very musical. And, he has mentored American Idol contestants in the past – to rave reviews.

So, American Idol – what took you so long to come over to our side? And to the readers, are you pumped for the show to begin? Are you happy with this lineup? Share in the comments section.

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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli.
When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler.
She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8.
In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman.
In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins.
In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright.
In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins.
Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici

One Response to “American Idol Season 13 Reveals Its New Mentor And Panel Of Judges”

1. Myself[to represent the viewers]
2. Scott MacIntyre[the ‘nerd’ who has been thru the process:) plus a surprisingly good vocal. Would need to get his choppers made ‘camera ready’]
3. Aretha Franklin[she would bring the ‘superstar’ cachet and also works with present-day musical talent]
4. Masterclass Lady[‘Nuff said:) Just think how helpful your advice could be to the singers]

Plus, I would also set up an ‘in-house’ recording label to ‘close the circle’. Hmmm… Michael Sarer as a singer/sogwriter/instrument player on this new label. I like the idea.

I would have made Randy the ‘chief’ and Mr. Urban the assistant. Just think of the interesting mashups:) And yours truly could have been the new Syd Nathan/Tom Parker rolled into one adorable dark Fuzzball:)